Ohio TESOL Statement Against Anti-Asian Violence

March 22, 2021

The murder of eight people in Atlanta on March 16th, six of whom were Asian women, is a tragedy of unspeakable proportions. It is also the latest instance of anti-Asian hatred and violence that has been growing in our country. The Ohio TESOL Board extends our sincerest sympathies to the families and communities that are affected by the Atlanta killings specifically, and to others who have been victimized by this swelling wave of racism against the Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander community in America. While the investigation into this incident and suspect are ongoing, we condemn these acts and the hatred from which they stemmed. 

There were 3,800 reported anti-Asian racist incidents reported this past year alone, the vast majority of whom were women; as if this statistic wasn’t appalling enough, these numbers represent a significant jump from reported incidents in the recent past. Ohio TESOL joins TESOL International and other education organizations to say we are aggrieved by these statistics and we see the need for political action to prevent further violence and hatred. 

In addition to extending our sympathies to those affected, Ohio TESOL encourages elected officials at the state and local level to condemn these acts of violence and racism. We call on officials to also clearly articulate plans for protecting Ohio’s Asian/Asian-American and Pacific Islander population, including greater accountability for those who perpetrate racist crimes. 

As TESOL educators and community stakeholders, we each have a role to play in combating racist ideas and actions. For teachers, our classrooms and schools are spaces where we can actively work against discrimination. This likely includes naming and speaking against racist policies and ideas and advocating for our students and their families. For community-based organizations, recent events underscore the need for advocacy with and on behalf of Asians/Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Ohio TESOL encourages each member to take action on behalf of this cause. 

Below are directions for contacting your elected officials so you too can help hold our representatives accountable for protecting Asians/Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Ohio. 

In Solidarity,

The Ohio TESOL Board

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 To read more, check out this recent article from NBC.  

Links to Find Your State and National Representatives

The Ohio House of Representatives: https://www.ohiohouse.gov/

The Ohio Senate:  https://www.ohiosenate.gov/senators

The U.S. House of Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Contact Ohio U. S. Senators: 

Senator Sherrod Brown:  https://www.brown.senate.gov/contact/

Senator Rob Portman: https://www.portman.senate.gov/